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  • L14 SPE-16470 Nelson R.A. Fractured Reservoirs - Turning Knowledge Into Practice PDF

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    L14 SPE-16470 Nelson R.A. Fractured Reservoirs - Turning Knowledge Into Practice PDF

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    Solenti D'nou

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Ronald A. Nelson isa geological adviser in Amace Production Co.'s Arica and Middle ast Region, basad in Houston. He holds 2 8S degree in geology trom Narthern ilinais UU. and MS and PhD degrees in sructural geology and rock mocnanics trom Texas A&M U: He worked in Amoco's Research Dept in Tulsa on structural geology and tractured reservoirs during 1975-25 and has worked inthe in Exploration Dept. since 1985, He has published numerous papers on ‘ractured reservoirs, including a recent book ented Goologic Analysis of Naturally Fractured Raservoirs Fractured Reservoirs: Turning Knowledge into Practice R.A. Nelson, Amoco Production Co. ‘Summary. Fractured reservoirs have always been difficult to describe and to evaluate. Great advances have been made in understanding how to incorporate diverse data sets from several disciplines into coherent reservoir studies. Numerical simulation models offer an effective vehicle for such synergism. The need for better laboratory testing methods for fractured rock samples, conceptual models of broader applicability, and numerical modeling systems capable of more complex reservoir descriptions and conditions remains. Introduction ‘The exploration, evaluation, and development of fractured reservoirs have been important topics among both major and independent oil companies over the past 10 to 15 years. During that period, fractures have gone from a relative oddity in reservoir ‘engineering to a major aspect of many of the new fields discovered each year. Indeed, our knowledge of subsurface fracture systems has progressed to the point that both their qualitative and quantitative effects can be evaluated in a variety of technical ways. Such approaches can vary from the use of simple two-dimensional (2D) flow anisotropy in depletion and sweep efficiency calculations 10 complex dual-porosity/dual-permeability ‘compositional-phase-behavior reservoir performance predictions, ‘This paper highlights some of the important advancements made in dealing with fractured reservoirs in the past 10 years, how we might use this knowledge in our work today, and what we will need to learn in the next 10 years to do our job better. In accomplishing this, emphasis is placed on integration of data from several disciplines. and iteration through reservoir modeling. Therefore, those techniques that either have or will facilitate ‘generalized iterative models for fractured reservoirs are stressed, Models ‘The petroleum industry has historically favored previous experience as a guide to technical prediction. ‘opran 197 Sosy of Peon Enger Sournal of Peoleum Technology, April 1987 So-called “look-alike"” fields, or produced fields that appear 10 have characteristics similar to the one in (question, are frequently depended on heavily in much of our development work. These look-alikes are generally the vehicle for data integration in that once the proper reservoir is chosen by predominantly descriptive methods, the response, stimulation techniques, and development plans can be inferred by analogy. Tn fractured reservoirs, however, this approach has not proved as successful as in more ‘conventional reservoirs. It appears that the complex interaction of fractures, matrix, and fluids is sufficiently variable to render each fractured reservoir uunigue. In addition, most older produced fields that could be used as analogies or look-alikes lack the necessary quantitative characterization or description of the fracture system present. The result has been a tendency to rely less on look-alike models in fractured reservoir work and more on conceptual and numerical models, Conceptual models generally are used as @ guide for interpreting individual data sets; for example, short-term flow rate or pressure-transient data. Conceptual models for fractured reservoirs have run the gamut from very uniform engineering approaches (Fig. 1) to very complicated geologic ones (Fig. 2). Real fracture distributions can be quite simple in some cases, such as with regional fractures or orthogonal joints (Fig. 2a). In other situations, such as with tectonic fractures on a fold, however, the fracture patterns can be quite complex (Fig. 2b). In fact, real fracture systems (Fig. 3) can be so a7 WARREN AND ROOT (196: KAZEM (1969) L | Fig. = Two conceptual models p complicated that accurate modeling of the aetual system may be impossible. This is why the Warren and Root! “‘sugar-cube"” and Kazemi? “plate” ‘models have been so persistent as conceptual models over the years, They represent a response abstraction (a simple model that accounts for the measured reservoir response) of an often overly complex natural fracture system, Numerical models, on the other hand, generally attempt to amalgamate several data sets into a ‘consistent reservoir response. These are becoming increasingly significant in the study of larger fractured reservoirs. Numerical models allow us to quantify the result of the combined effect of diverse, complex data sets that may seem irreconcilable to the unaided observer. These approaches are expensive, however, and normally restricted in application to large reservoirs by large companies. Both conceptual and numerical models are important in fractured reservoir work, Indeed, most evaluations and predictions performed in fractured reservoirs are done ‘with the aid of conceptual models. By further refining and generalizing of our conceptual models in the future, more accurate numerical simulations will be possible What We Have Learned Many technical advancements have taken place in the study of fractured reservoirs over the past 10 to 15 years. These have occurred in all our technical disciplines: geology, geophysics, engineering, and petrophysics. Indeed, the study of fractured reservoirs, more than any other in our industry, has shown us the absolute necessity for the constant integration of diverse technical approaches or synergism (Fig. 4). ‘Advances in geology and the characterization of fractured reservoirs in outcrop and core have shown 408 REGIONAL FRACTURES " 1 IL o My TECTONIC FRACTURES Fig, 2—Schematic of natural fracture aistibutions of var- tous complexities: ( ‘orthogonal Iactures oF | Joins (comewnat analogous to Fig. Te) ane ()simpiied | fold-related tectonic fractures. | us that there are different origins, morphologies and distributions of natural fracture systems.** These properties can be inferred from existing data and used to extrapolate or to predict characteristics away from limited control. Most recently, we have seen a trend toward statistical representations of fracture spacings and distribution networks in both core and outerop 10 bee entered into reservoir engineering and numerical reservoir models. Their mathematical approach can range from simple to quite sopkisticated, often surpassing our ability to sample the unit adequately or 10 incorporate the results fully. ‘The result of observations on various origins, Aistributons, and system characteristics has generated 4 wide range of conceptual models. Variations in fracture azimuth, width, and spacing for several superimposed fracture sets make each of these conceptval models by geologists unique. The reservoir response of many of these models, however, may be quite similar. Obviously, its important for geologists to limit the complexity and uniqueness of their conceptual models to only those abstractions necessary t0 define fluid-flow response. In my opinion, from a reservoir-response point of view, we overly define fracture azimuth and spacing in conceptual models while underplaying the role of fracture width and scaling (graduated sequence ot series of sizes) of the fracture system. Because the effect of scale in fractured reservoirs is very Important but somewhat neglected in the literature, T will digress slightly to discuss current views on this subject Journal of Petolem Technolgy, April 1987 ippian Shunda formation, lott Range, Alta Complex fracture systems are made up of several fracture sets of various but regular azimuth, width, spacing, and length. Azimuth depends on origin and the stress state at fracturing, while the others are apparently a function of the lithology in which the fractures form. When observed in detail, many fractured outcrops of thin, brittle rocks, such as chert layers, generally contain closely spaced, short, hairline fractures. Relatively less brittle, thicker layers of, for example, limestone contain relatively larger, wider fractures with greater spacing in the same structural and depth situation. Lithologic control of fracture width, b, length, L, and spacing, d, appears strong in outcrop and subsurface data. In addition to lithologic controls, ‘width, spacing, and length are functionally related in sale. A typical volume of fractured rock will contain visible natural fractures of several distinct sizes, ranging from small hairline cracks of 1 10 2 em [0.4 to 0.8 in.] in length to large through-going fractures Ihundreds of feet in length. In fact, thin sections frequently display grain-scale microfractures present between those observable in outcrop and hand. samples. Fracture systems that are reproducible at several scales of observation are defined as being pervasive. The degree of pervasiveness appears to be 2 function of fracture system origin and is therefore Journal of Petroleum Techaology, April 1987 Fig. 3—Photographs of simple-1o-complox natura fracture systems: (a) regional ‘Antrim shale, Michigan basin (analogous to Fig. 23), (b) simple but rogul Va limestone, Ferris Mountains, WY (analogous to Fig. 2b) and (c) very complex fold-related tectonic fractures in the Mis- thogonal fractures or joints in Devonian folé-elated tectonic fractures In Triassic Alco- CHARACTERATION TESTING AND PREDICTION =O WOOELNG | INVESTIGATION Fig. 4—Schematic representation of how numerical reser- ‘voir modeling can be used as an effective vehicle for in- {tegration of diverse observations and conceptual models ‘or synergism in fractured reservoirs, somewhat predictable. For example, regional ‘orthogonal fracture systems, sometimes called joints, are usually less pervasive in development than tectonic fracture systems.* In outcrops that display a mix of fracture sizes, it is also evident that b, L, and d vary together as the scale of the fracture changes. For example, it is my ‘observation that fracture sets that are relatively tall in ‘outcrop and core also tend to be relatively wider in 409 proxima Fig. 5—Photographs of a Misslesippian carbonate (looking west), north of the mouth of Big, Horn Canyon, east side of Sheep Mountain Big Hom Basin, WY. COMBINED NETWORK FREQUENCY —» sera WIDTH ©) tenor SPACING () — FRACTURE SETS lif Hifi chi ade 4 bseesb, USL=L WERE dis FRACTURE SPACING is Fracture worn UIs FRACTURE LENGTH Fig. 6—Schematic showing the concept of scaling of frac~ ture width, b, length, L, and spacing, d. Al hypothetical combined trequency di sets shown, pees snowm 10 opening and spaced relatively far apart. The smaller, ‘more numerous fractures, while depicting the same orientations asthe larger ones, tend to be relatively narrower, shorter, and more closely spaced. It is my contention that a Continuous spectrum of nested sizes exists in natural fracture systems and that the 8, L, and d of the various size sets vary in a regular manner (Fig. 5). This scaled development of fractures probably reflects a continuity of deformational strain partitioned into fractures at several scales. Stated another way, fractures of each scale accomplish the same amount of strain (shortening or extension) The result of these postulated stale relationships is combined frequency diagrams for individual features of a characteristically skewed log-normal distribution Fig. 6). Increased skewness and standard deviation causes the arithmetic, harmonic, and geometric means of the population used to describe reservoir properties to deviate substantially. This tendency to deviate of course can eause a problem in deciding how best to represent these distributions statistically. If the b-frequency diagram is a cumulative curve of several skewed log-normally distributed fracture sets of different scale (Fig. 5) I conclude that the mean characteristic of the least frequent but widest set is most representative of short-term reservoir flow (fracture permeability isa function of 63), while that for the frequent, narrowest set is most representative ‘of reservoir storage and drainage (fracture porosity is 4 function of 61). A knowledge of the nested sizes of fractures (b, L, and d) would be very important in evaluating and predicting rate vs. reserves with time in these reservoirs, Reservoir engincering and Journal of Petroleum Technology, April 1987 numerical models for fractured reservoir simulation should incorporate the scaling of fracture development when appropriate ‘Advances in engineering in fractured reservoirs ‘over the past 10 10 15 years have occurred in well testing and history matching/flow prediction (see Fig. 4). Continued research on transient analysis and interference testing allows us to define flow behavior and fracture contributions with time in these reservoirs better.” We are frequently able to define the presence of fractures, the azimuth of maximum flow rate, and the overall porosity of the fracture system by such tess. In fact, curtent work on this, subject may soon allow us t0 quantify the porosity of each of the multiple contributing fracture sets within the formation, In the area of reservoir investigations by standard logging and nontoutine geophysical techniques, advances have been substantial (see Fig. 4). Numerous wellbore tools and techniques have been proposed to detect natural and induced fractures in the subsurface. 6° OF great interest in recent technical symposia have been the acoustic and electric borehole imaging logs being developed by several oil and service companies. These tools offer postion, frientation, and some limited physical characteristics of a portion of the fractures present in the wellbore. ‘Ava larger scale, research by several major companies and university research organizations on the use of tomography to investigate interwell areas of the reservoir is intriguing. In concept, the continuity of fracture system characteristics might be ‘mapped in three dimensions (3D) throughout the field by combining various sophisticated geophysical wellbore surveys in closely spaced wells with tomographic mathematics. The result would be a reservoir properties map or cross section similar to a CT scan used in medical diagnoses. ‘The advances made in characterization, investigation, and testingprediction all bear on petrophysical modeling in fractured reservoirs. In fact, the major advances in our understanding of fractured reservoir response and quality have, in my opinion, come from incorporating characterization, investigation, and testing results into coherent integrated petrophysical and/or numerical simulation models. New fin clement and finit-difference simulation techaiques, can be used to predict pressure, temperature, fluid flow, fluid saturation, and compositional behavior throughout a matrix-pls-fracture reservoir under ‘arious simulated depletion and development schemes. These models can be altered and rescaled iteratively to reflect more accurately the response, newer characterizations and investigations, and the scale of complexity necessary for an adequate fit forthe ‘model. The flow models rely heavily on fuid-low cquations for fractures and fractures plus matrix that have been developed in major university engineering research programs. !™! Several of these incorporate frequency diagrams of natural fracture charactristis, similar to Fig. 6, as major inputs to the flow calculations. 2 In summary, we have learned to observe, describe, and quantify fractured reservoir rock better. We have Journal of Petroleum Technology, April 1987 also learned how to incorporate these better into internally consistent evaluation and response models that merge these diverse facts into a more accurate picture of the reservoir. It may be that we have developed our philosophical approach to the study of these reservoirs better than our analytic techniques 10 ‘generate necessary input. We now need to define our descriptive, analytical, and modeling procedures better to accept more complex rock/tluid reservoir systems and subsurface conditions. What We Need To Learn The industry has come a long way in understanding fractured reservoirs in the past 10 t0 15 years. We certainly know more about what these reservoirs are like, how to quantify them better, and 10 some extent hhow to integrate data from the various disciplines into a coherent model. While we have developed our philosophical approach for dealing with fractured reservoirs, we still lack many of the details necessary to predict behavior in these reservoirs adequately. To do our job better in the future, we will need to understand or to develop the following, 1, Saturations, relative permeabilities, and recovery factors in fractures at reservoir conditions. 2. Permeability tensors in fractured reservoirs and the compressibility of permeability tensor components ‘with in-situ stress, 3. Quantification of crossflow terms (fracture/ matrix, fracture/fracture of different size). 4. Interwell characterizations by tomography. 5. Relationship between deformational strain and fracture spacing, including strain partitioning for predicting fracture spacing, 6. Completion practices and when and when not t0 stimulate fractured reservoirs, 7. The effect of sealing of fractures on reservoir. response, 8. Modeling systems capable of more complex anisotropic, inhomogencous reservoir systems. In my estimation, these will be the important research topies in fractured reservoirs in the next 10 years. ‘The above rescarch requires parameters and techniques lacking in our understanding of fractured reservoirs today. Proper completion and stimulation, practices in fractured reservoirs are not currently ‘common knowledge, Much experience in this area fesides in production and service companies but has never been made public. More general distribution of this experience in the future will advance our knowledge in this area and, it is hoped, foster more needed research, Saturations, relative permeabilities, crossflow terms, and resultant recovery factors in fractures are ‘of paramount importance in quantifying reservoir volume and production rates with time in these reservoirs. We currently know little about how to ‘quantify these parameters. In fact, the presence of open fractures negates many of the assumptions and physical bases for the standard laboratory techniques used to measure these parameters—e.g., relative permeability tests. New laboratory techniques and approaches will need to be devised. au > > es on os —— S88655)

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